Hammertoe

Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa

While a hammertoe isn’t a serious medical issue, but it can cause pain and affect your ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably. The expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa in Ankeny, Iowa, Paul Dayton, DPM, MS, and Mindi Dayton, DPM, MHA, provide superior treatment and care for hammertoes. They offer nonsurgical and surgical therapies depending on your condition. Reach out to the office today by calling or booking an appointment online.

Hammertoe Q & A

What is hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe where your toe is bent at the middle joint, causing it to resemble a hammer. If hammertoe isn’t treated, it can become stiff and painful and may require surgery.

If you have a hammertoe, you might also develop corns or calluses on the top of your middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe. You may also feel pain in your toes or feet and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes.

Visit the team at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They have the expertise and experience to get your feet comfortable again.

When should I see my podiatrist for hammertoe?

Symptoms of hammertoe are noticeable early on. You should see your podiatrist when you experience any of the following:

Swelling or inflammation

Corns or calluses

Increased stiffness

Limited range of motion in your toes

Open sores

When you visit Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, your provider may use X-rays to diagnose the severity of your condition and prepare your personalized treatment plan.

What causes hammertoes?

Hammertoes form as a result of your connective tissues creating muscle imbalance. If your middle toe is bent at the middle joint on a regular basis, the muscles and tendons in your smaller toes next to it overcompensate and end up staying in that position, causing your middle toe to no longer stay flat.

Several causes can contribute to hammertoe, including:

Wearing improperly fitting shoes

Arthritis

Genetics

Injury

Generally, hammertoes worsens gradually over a period of months or years. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa when the first signs develop.

How do you treat hammertoes?

You can treat hammertoes by wearing shoes that have soft, roomy toe boxes. You can also perform toe exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles in the area.

In severe cases, the team at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa may need to perform surgery to correct your deformity.

If you’re suffering with a hammertoe, call the experts at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa today. They can get you back to your normal routine and increase your quality of life. You can also use the convenient online booking tool to schedule your appointment.